Harald Kihle Art Museum is located at Apenestunet in Horten, close to where the artist grew up. The museum traces his artistic development through around 170 works, from early childhood drawings to paintings, lithographs and woodcuts from his later years. The exhibition offers a personal introduction to one of Norway's recognised 20th-century artists.
From childhood drawings to a lifetime of art
Harald Kihle (1905–1997) began drawing as a child. He found inspiration in his surroundings, particularly working horses, which became a recurring subject and a distinctive feature of his art. At the museum, you can follow the development of his artistic style through early drawings, paintings and prints. You'll also encounter landscapes and scenes from Telemark, a region that inspired him throughout much of his career.
Horses, rural life and stories from Telemark
Kihle's art is shaped by landscapes, people and working life. Many of his subjects are rooted in Telemark's rural culture and storytelling traditions. The exhibition includes works inspired by the legend of Guro Heddelid and the poem cycle Storegut by Norwegian poet Aasmund Olavsson Vinje. Through paintings, woodcuts and lithographs, you can discover how Kihle used colours, shapes and different printmaking techniques to develop his distinctive artistic expression.
An extensive art collection
The museum also preserves Harald Kihle's archive, including sketches, preparatory studies, photographs, diaries, letters and other documentation from his long artistic career. The material offers insights into his creative process, the development of his ideas and the people he knew. Much of the collection has been catalogued and digitised, with selected archive material available through DigitaltMuseum.
Art and culture at Apenestunet
Harald Kihle Art Museum is part of Apenestunet Art and Cultural Centre. The site also includes Kihlegalleriet, which hosts changing art exhibitions. Concerts, talks and other cultural events take place at Apenestunet throughout the year. For children and families, Kihles KunstLab offers creative workshops inspired by the artist's subjects and techniques. The workshops have their own programme and opening hours. For more art experiences in Horten, visit Preus Museum at Karljohansvern, Norway's national museum of photography. You can also discover other attractions in the Horten visitor guide.
Plan your visit
Harald Kihle Art Museum is located at Falkenstensveien 29 in Horten, with access from Apenesbakken. Opening days and hours vary throughout the year. Private guided tours and group visits can be arranged in advance. Admission is free for children and young people under 18 and members of Horten Art Association.
Free parking is available at the museum, and there is also a café at Apenestunet.